Greetings, dear reader,
100 Day Project
Today is day 2 of the 100 day project. Are you doing one? Drop me a note to let me know about your project. I finally decided on mine: I am creating a daily zine with unsolicited advice. The idea started as a joke. I rarely offer unsolicited advice, and I don’t much like offering solicited advice. What works for me may not work for you, right? The exception to that is around writing and creativity. One of my super powers is understanding the long game potential of a creative project or piece of writing, and Bossy Beverly sometimes rears her head and shares her vision, solicited or not.
As a human soundly at (what I hope is) the start of the second half of my life, I do know a thing or two. As a child-free human, I don’t have many people I can force my unsolicited advice on. If you’d like to be one of those people, follow my project on Instagram–I’m posting under my alter-ego Dear Ms. Tomato (pronounced toe-maa-toe), whose lovely avatar was created by the ever-so-talented Laura Didyk.
When I consider this project through the lens of Play, Practice, Produce (see my last newsletter), I recognize that it is a mash-up of all three. Since I don’t generally impose my advice on others, it feels playful to do so in a zine. I’m using a one-page folded book format for my zines, at least to start, and creating them is where practice fits in. By which I mean I’m not only practicing making little books, but also practicing with adding color, collage, who knows what else (hey, playful, right?). And I’m excited to produce a volume of 100 issues of “100 Days of Unsolicited Advice”. I’m fairly certain I’m going to feel pretty darn happy to see that complete set sitting on my bookshelf.
Script for Demanding a Ceasefire in Gaza
My thoughts around unsolicited advice usually extend to politics and social media. I believe that I will do more good by making phone calls and writing emails/letters to elected officials than by posting my protests on my feed. I admire the folx who use their social media effectively for protest, but I’ve made the choice to take different actions. Actions focused on my own responsibility as a citizen. If that’s more your style, you might find this script for calling elected officials to demand a ceasefire in Gaza helpful.
Workshop Planning
I’m meeting with my teaching partner later today, so next issue, look for a list of late-winter and early-spring workshop opportunities to flex your creativity with me. If there’s anything you’d like to see us offer, let me know.
Link List:
Books I’m reading:
I listened to Don’t Tell Anyone the Secrets I Told You by Lucinda Williams. I adored hearing her read her memoir, and listening to it reignited my desire to listen to her music, especially Essence and Car Wheels on a Gravel Road.
I’m still reading (and liking) Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead. There’s a reason he’s won a Pulizter, a MacArthur Fellowship and a Guggenheim Fellowship. This novel, like his others, is immediately gripping.
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. This is my before-bed book. Still dipping into it each night.
What I’m Watching:
Nyad. This was my pick for my birthday movie, and it was a good choice. When better than a birthday to watch a movie about a woman in her 60s achieving her dream? Jodie Foster stole the show for me.
True Detective: Night Country is ooky and spooky. Jodie Foster plays a very different, in many ways, more complex role than in Nyad. She’s paired with the stunning Kali Reis, and they make small screen magic. I haven’t finished yet, so no spoilers!
All Creatures Great and Small on PBS, which delivers gorgeous knitwear and adorable animals. Only one episode left for me.
What I’m Eating:
Soup. Lots of soup. It’s been cold, yo! My tomato soup and Tuscan bean soup recipes aren’t online, hence the lack of links. If either sounds good to you, lmk, and I’ll share the recipes. I’m planning to make these energy balls this week after my pal Marlene talked about making her recipe today. If this recipe doesn’t appeal, use the magic of Google…there are plenty of different versions out there!
A Gift: I’ve made a 100 Day Project Tracker for you. Click on the link, then make a copy (File -> Make a Copy), or download it on Notion.
Creative Prompt: What’s one creative habit you would like to cultivate? Doodling more? Drawing daily? Writing regularly? Cooking new recipes? What might happen if you commit to that creative habit for three days? How does it make you feel? Do you want to try another three days? Give it a go!
Thanks, as always, for reading this.
xx,
Beverly
I was thinking about joining the 100 day project, and may jump in late. It's a little hectic with some remodeling at my house right now....